The Pittsburgh Steelers, an AFC franchise, make contact with wide receiver Michael Thomas, a $96 million free agent who may soon sign a contract. The veteran wide receiver has reportedly been contacted by the Steelers as a potential Diontae Johnson replacement. This offseason, Pittsburgh hasn’t had any luck on the free-agent market locating their next receiver. But, they were preoccupied with attempting to pull off a spectacular deal this past NFL Draft by putting in a bid for either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel with San Francisco.
The 49ers, however, have no intention of dealing either of their top receivers to another club. This does not exclude the Steelers from selecting another wideout from the limited pool of candidates. The wide receiver room that the Steelers have isn’t enough for them, and Thomas is the best available. Any help would be sufficient for Pittsburgh right now as they already missed on out plenty of available receivers.
Even if players like Courtland Sutton or Treylon Burks would be considered, both parties would benefit from Thomas’ addition. They will probably offer Thomas a one-year contract, though, to see how much more he can offer an offense that has been evolving. Thomas’s career had considerable upside following an incredible run of two seasons as an All-Pro in 2018 and 2019. He now holds the NFL record for the most receptions in a single season with 149 in 2019.
The Steelers don’t currently have a reliable wide receiver to take over for Johnson. Pickens would be left with the most of the task while they still have some other wideouts. Roman Wilson, Scotty Miller, Van Jefferson, and Quez Watkins will be relied upon to form a platoon as a stand-in. For a few years, though, they need a dependable starter to take Pickens’ place in the receiving corps.
If the Steelers aren’t looking to make a big financial commitment, Thomas is the replacement to take that spot. Due to his past history of injuries and poor performance, the organization may be able to offer him a low-cost contract. But given that, one would question what else he can offer a club.
The Steelers would prefer not to rely too much on one receiver. Though it seems doubtful, Pittsburgh’s offseason infusion of new receivers could be helpful. While some still think the Steelers might acquire a big-time player through trade, others don’t rule out adding a free agent. Should Thomas choose not to settle in Pittsburgh, these are some possible places for him.
To overcome the Chiefs and claim the title of AFC Champions, the Ravens will use every ounce of offensive firepower possible. They won’t proceed unless they bring in an additional wide receiver to support Rashod Bateman and Zay Flowers. After a dismal season from Bateman, Baltimore was able to rely on Mark Andrews and Flowers for the majority of the season. Even if Bateman’s contract extension with the organization is up, they still need additional receiver support to help the decline.
The Chiefs are now without a receiver as it is safe to presume that Rashee Rice won’t be with the team for some time. Led by Marquise Brown, the wideout picture is still promising, but if they want to succeed in the long run, they will want additional assistance. The next best man, Xavier Worthy, is a rookie to Kansas City as well. That implies they might benefit from a signing of an experienced, low-risk receiver such as Thomas.
But it seems like the Chargers are throwing Justin Herbert wide open with just any receiver. After losing Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, they still require a true veteran wide receiver. No matter how much Los Angeles tries, the wound won’t likely stay closed for very long.
